This past Wednesday I attended the Rose Cafe featuring Noah Demarest, who currently works as a architecture in Ithaca and graduated from the College of Human Ecology in Design and Environmental Analysis. I thought his approach toward the presentation, of having a slide show of designs an recent developments in Ithaca, was appropriate for this topic as we were able to see his work and visions for future buildings. I liked the design for the new Green Star which I believe he noted is anticipated to arise in the space currently occupied by the old Cornell Press building.

However, because he did not really come with a concrete or structured presentation in mind, he relied on students to ask good questions to spur dialogue. Two of my favorite questions from this cafe led him to comment more specifically about the environmental impact that the Green Star build might have on the surrounding ecosystem. He noted that the design team takes precautionary measures to try to minimize and contain runoff. Another student asked about the physical accessibility of the designs that were being presented, which  led Demarest to comment and explain that many of the places on Cornell’s campus are technically considered inaccessible for people who require wheelchair assistance. I think that theses questions enhanced the conversation as they emphasized how important proper building design and layout are, beyond their appearance, for maximizing human functional benefits and minimizing environmental damage.